The Blk Hiking Club offers safe quality outdoor experiences for Black community

The Blk Hiking Club at Panther Falls in Georgia. (Courtesy of Tracy Stephens)

Taking a walk in the great outdoors offers many health benefits. It can reduce the risk of heart disease, calm the mind, and significantly lower stress levels. But sadly, for many Black Americans, the perks of reconnecting with nature often carry historic safety concerns. The Blk Hiking Club is an Atlanta-based organization seeking to provide the Black community with safe hiking experiences while reaping the transformative benefits. In this interview, “City Lights” producer Jeannine Etter caught up with Blk Hiking Club founder Tracy Stephens to speak more about the organization.  

“We want everyone that comes out to know that they are welcome and that we are going to have a good time. It’s basically like a family reunion, but on the hiking trail,” Stephens said. 

More information about the Blk Hiking Club is available here